Author: Kristine Binder

Running is a big question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks you, ‘Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?’
Peter Maher

Today I was stronger than usual. I got up and out of bed early….that was the hard part. Getting dressed and ready for a run once I had left the comfort of my bed was not too difficult. Once out on the pavement and with a buddy, the miles just ticked away. Just 3 today in the thick early morning air…but 3 more to add to the bank that gets this mind and body ready for October.

Training for this marathon has been different in so many ways from last year. Joining a group, creating new relationships with other runners, and seeing a new perspective on training have been just a few of the benefits. I was so keyed into my training last year that I had to run every mile by the book…never long and never short. I am beginning to realize that every run is one that adds to the bank and, while not every run is a good run, they all add up. I am also learning more about myself and my pace. I am learning to listen to my body more than ever. I am learning that rest is good. Rest is important… I do not have to be doing something every minute of the day! One of the biggest things I have realized is that running does not CLEAR my head….running allows me to sort through things in order to be a better mom, wife, friend, teacher….

I already know that I am strong enough to run a marathon…once….however, am I strong enough to run a marathon a second or third time? Only time will tell but for today I was strong…strong enough to get out of bed and run!

Slow-but-sure has always worked for me, in running and in most other arenas. I wouldn’t mind being a Carl Lewis or Usain Bolt, but I’ve found little payoff in attempting to be what I’m not.
Amby Burfoot

Being what you are. Feeling comfortable in your own skin. This is something it took me years to understand and I am still not totally there yet.

After a wonderful long, hot and hilly 9 miler with my cousin (who is MUCH younger and faster than me) I began to think about what it is to be. Just be. She is so confident…getting ready to spend a year in Thailand traveling and teaching. Leaving her comfort zone and experiencing life. Taking a leap of faith.

So…now….at 44 I have begun to realize who I am…I am slow…but I am sure that there is great payoff in being just who and what I am…just being me.

“Having a child is like pouring Miracle-Gro on your character defects.” Anne Lamott

This morning’s run was a short pleasant run with my puppy. She does not get out with me much, especially in the summer as it is too hot and my miles long. She gets angry when I fail to take her along. Her sheer joy as she is leashed up and heading out the door with me is a sight that would make anyone smile! She is a great running buddy!

On my run this morning I thought about….. Kids…..they are a blessing and a curse! They do bring out the best and worst in me! I love my kids…don’t get me wrong…but there are times they make me nuts! There are times I go to the bathroom and lock the door just to be alone for 2 seconds. There are times my patience is way to short and I allow my temper to flare. Many would like us to believe that mothering is all sunshine and roses. That may be true for others but…well ….for me that is not the case! The summer brings out the best and worst…in all of us here in my house! The fighting, arguing, tattling, teasing, yelling and screaming all begin to wear me down. However there are moments of pure joy. There are gut busting, tear inducing laughs that feel so good!

The summer allows the kids to get bored and then find things to do…not always good things…but hey, that is part of the fun! The summer allows kids time to do things we don’t have time for during the school year. The summer allows us to slow down and enjoy each other…..it allows me to get reacquainted with my kids!

There are moments of sheer joy in the summer….
-My daughter painting my toenails yellow.
-Long discussions with my 12 year old over Edward vs. Jacob (Twilight Saga)
-My older daughter putting together a playlist for me to discover new music. (Who knew I liked Jay-Z or the new Eminem?!)
-Listening to my son’s stories of camp.
-Teaching the kids to play backgammon.
-Mancala tournaments.
-Time to enjoy a drink with my husband and talk about more than just the kids.

I wish that they could stay forever young (to quote Jay-Z and Mr. Hudson) but I know that is not possible…so for now I will enjoy every fight, argument, and gut busting laugh…..it is all good!

I have to make myself take a day off. I get addicted, and I feel guilty if don’t run. I have to remember it’s the recovery days when you actually get stronger. When you take a day off, you can run fast and hard next time you get out there.

Danica Patrick, Professional race-car driver

Wise advice but difficult. Today is a rest/recovery day. Tomorrow will be the shortest ‘long run’ of training…5 miles. I do feel lazy and sluggish when I don’t run but need to remind myself that my body needs time to recover from the torture I put it through on a daily basis. So, while my brain may not like the day off…my body sure enjoys the time to repair and recover…and prepare for the next run.